How to Migrate from Self-Hosted FTP to Managed Hosting
Published {$created} by Carsten Blum
Migrating from a self-hosted FTP server to Managed FTP Hosting can feel like a big leap — but it doesn’t have to be.With the right plan, you can move your files, users, and workflows to a fully managed platform without downtime or headaches.
Below, we break down the process into five simple steps.
1. Audit Your Current FTP Setup
Before migrating, take stock of:
Current FTP/FTPS settings (ports, TLS/SSL configuration)
User accounts and permissions
Storage usage and folder structure
Any automated scripts or scheduled transfers
This will help ensure you don’t lose functionality after the move.
2. Choose the Right Managed FTP Hosting Plan
Select a plan that matches your:
Storage requirements
Protocol needs (FTP, FTPS, SFTP)
Compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
Expected growth over the next 12–24 months
With ftpgrid, you can start small and scale storage tiers as your business grows.
3. Set Up the Managed FTP Environment
Your hosting provider will:
Create the FTP/FTPS/SFTP endpoints
Configure SSL/TLS certificates automatically
Set up user accounts and permissions
Enable monitoring and backups
With managed hosting, you skip the hardware setup, firewall rules, and manual certificate handling.
4. Migrate Files and Users
Move your data using:
FTPS/SFTP transfer from old to new server
Temporary sync tools
Or by having your provider assist with bulk migration
Recreate user accounts and apply the same folder permissions to avoid workflow disruptions.
5. Test and Switch Over
Before making the final cutover:
Test logins for all users
Verify file uploads/downloads
Check automated scripts or API integrations
Once you’re confident, update DNS or client connection settings to point to the new managed service.
Why Businesses Choose Managed FTP Hosting
Switching to Managed FTP Hosting removes the burden of:
Server maintenance and patching
Certificate renewals
Firewall troubleshooting
Manual backups
It frees your team to focus on business — while still enjoying fast, secure, and reliable file transfers. We have created this article about business FTP usage.
Ready to Make the Move?
At ftpgrid, we guide you through each migration step and provide ongoing support after launch.Whether you’re upgrading security, reducing maintenance, or consolidating services, we make your transition effortless.
See Managed FTP Hosting Plans →